Biological classification peter hamilton

How many species are there? For decades scientists have been asking—and trying to answer—this question. Guesses, estimates and calculations range from 500,000-100 million. Despite increasingly sophisticated models and a greater understanding of ecology, we’re no closer to a number, or even a range, than we were several decades ago, argues a new paper published in the April Trends in Ecology & Evolution.

Also estimated that more than 80% of species still undiscovered. The most recent methodical survey indicates that it is likely to be close to 9 million. 6.5 million living on the land 2.2 million in the oceans.  Also estimated that more than 80% of species still undiscovered. Currently scientists have catalogued approximately 1.5 million species.

Why is classification important? it allows scientists to identify, group, and properly name organisms via a standardized system (Linnaeus Taxonomy); based on: Similarities in Structure-Function Adaptations (Evolution), and Embryonic development (Embryology) Similarities found in DNA/RNA (genetics) to better understand organisms and the relationships between them.

The members of each group of living things share a set of special features unique to that group. For example, plants contain a chemical called chlorophyll that they use to make their own food (it also makes them green). Every member of the plant kingdom shares this characteristic. Scientists are always looking for these characteristics or 'observable features' which allow them to group different species together and see how they are related to each other.

Linnaeus developed a hierarchy of groupings. As one progresses down the hierarchy the organisms within a grouping become increasing similar. The fundamental grouping of most similar organisms is the species unit.

The major groupings have changed over the years

DOMAINS

Characteristics of Kingdoms

Classification of Humans Kingdom Phylum Class Order Family Genus Species

Classification of Humans Kingdom Animalia Phylum Class Order Family Genus Species

Classification of Humans Kingdom Animalia Phylum Chordata Class Order Family Genus Species

Classification of Humans Kingdom Animalia Phylum Chordata Class Mammalia Order Primates Family Genus Species

Classification of Humans Kingdom Animalia Phylum Chordata Class Mammalia Order Primates Family Hominidae Genus Species

Classification of Humans Kingdom Animalia Phylum Chordata Class Mammalia Order Primates Family Hominidae Genus Homo Species

Classification of Humans Kingdom Animalia Phylum Chordata Class Mammalia Order Primates Family Hominidae Genus Homo Species sapiens

Binomial names Genus species Homo sapiens

The importance of a standardized naming system Some animals that appear similar from different areas may be called the same common name but be very different in many other ways. Some animals with different common names in different areas may in fact be the same organism

The Eurasian magpie, European magpie, or common magpie (Pica pica) is a resident breeding bird throughout Europe, much of Asia and northwest Africa. It is one of several birds in the crow family named as magpies,

Black-billed magpie (Pica hudsonia), also known as the American magpie, is a bird in the crow family that inhabits the western half of North America,

Australian magpie (Cracticus tibicen) is a medium-sized black and white passerine bird native to Australia and southern New Guinea. More closely related to Butcher birds than Crows.

Magpie-lark (Grallina cyanoleuca) is a conspicuous Australian bird of small to medium size, Mudlark in Victoria and Western Australia, Murray magpie in South Australia, Peewee in New South Wales and Queensland